Los Angeles Wage Theft Lawyer
Many workers are affected by wage theft by their employers. Wage theft occurs in various ways, some obvious and others easier to miss. Whether your employer has made illegal deductions, failed to pay overtime, or paid you less than they owe in some other way, our Los Angeles wage theft lawyer could help.
Levin & Nalbandyan have experience dealing with various employment law matters, and our attorneys have successfully handled wage theft cases for our clients. If you suspect your employer has engaged in any form of wage theft, our employment attorneys could help you understand your legal options, file a formal complaint, and represent you in negotiation or at trial if necessary.
How Can Wage Theft Happen?
Wage theft happens when an employer does not pay an employee properly. Your Los Angeles attorney could explore the specifics of your case, but wage theft generally takes several forms, including:
Unpaid overtime constitutes wage theft, as an employer’s refusal to pay time and a half for hours worked over forty in a workweek wrongfully withholds income from the employee. An employer could also violate wage laws by paying employees below minimum wage. Illegal deductions could result in the employee earning less than the minimum wage if an employer deducts payment for items such as uniforms or cash register shortages. Improper misclassification of workers could constitute wage theft if an employer labels employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits, overtime, or fair wages. Denying meal and rest breaks is also wage theft, and employers engaging in this unethical practice do not allow employees to take legally mandated breaks or compensate them properly. Finally, failing to issue a final paycheck or earned bonuses is wage theft.
Relevant Laws To Protect Employees
Employers are required to follow laws that protect against wage theft. Failing to do so can result in penalties for the employer. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the primary law that governs this area. This federal law requires employers to pay their employees no less than the minimum wage. Employers must also pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate for overtime and maintain accurate payroll records.
California has some of the strongest wage theft protections in the U.S. The state’s minimum wage is more than twice that of the federal government, and other requirements mimic federal law and add extra protections. An experienced Los Angeles attorney could advise on the specific protections related to your employment pay theft case.
What a Victim of Wage Theft Can Do
Individuals may file a complaint about their employer if they are aware of or suspect wage violations. The U.S. Department of Labor accepts federal complaints, while state-level complaints are submitted to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. Claims must be filed within a specific time frame, so if you are the victim of wage theft, contact our Los Angeles attorney immediately for advice.
Hire Our Experienced Wage Theft Attorney in Los Angeles
Being a victim of wage theft is frustrating and unfair. Many who experience it are afraid to speak up out of fear of retaliation. Others do not understand their rights and may be unsure whether they have experienced wage theft. However, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible.
Contact Levin & Nalbandyan to speak with our Los Angeles wage theft lawyer. We believe employees who have had their wages illegally withheld deserve compensation. Take the first step in holding your employer accountable for their errors, whether the wage theft occurred intentionally or otherwise.
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